Red Secrets (Marcus Rashford)

The date

*Jadons POV*

A few weeks had passed since the end of me and the boys' holiday and tonight was a big night for me. I was buzzing with excitement as I paced around my room, trying to decide which suit to wear for my date with Sofia. The feeling of anticipation was almost unbearable, but it was a good kind of tension, a mix of nerves and exhilaration that came with knowing I had something special lined up.

Marcus was at my house, helping me get ready. He was one of my closest friends, always there when I needed him, and today was no different. I had laid out a few options on my bed, and Marcus was meticulously examining each one with a critical eye.

"Seriously, man, which one do you think?" I asked, holding up a dark navy suit. "I want to look sharp for tonight."

Marcus gave the suit a thoughtful look, though his expression was a little more pensive than usual. "It's a good choice," he said slowly. "But maybe try the grey one too? It's a bit more... you."

I shrugged and tossed the navy suit aside, grabbing the grey one instead. "You're probably right. Sofia seems like she'd appreciate something a little more classic. I can't wait to see her. I've been thinking about this date for weeks."

Marcus nodded, but I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes—was it irritation or something else?—before he quickly masked it with a smile. "Yeah, I'm sure she'll love whatever you wear."

I started to get dressed, chatting about how excited I was for the date. "You know, I've really been looking forward to this. Sofia's amazing. I mean, I can't believe how lucky I am that she agreed to go out with me. She's smart, funny, and just, well, everything I've ever wanted."

Marcus worked silently, occasionally offering a comment about the fit or the details of the suit. "That's great, Sanch. Sounds like you've got it all figured out."

I was too caught up in my excitement to notice the subtle shift in Marcus's demeanor. "Seriously, man, I can't get over how perfect she is. We had such a great time together on holiday, and I really think this date could be something special."

Marcus's hands paused momentarily as he adjusted my tie. "Yeah, she's definitely great. Just... make sure you really listen to her tonight. You know, make it about her as much as it is about impressing her."

"Absolutely," I agreed, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm going to make sure she has the best time. This is just the beginning."

As I put on the final touches, I glanced at Marcus, who seemed to be lost in thought. "Thanks for all your help today. I couldn't have done this without you."

Marcus forced a smile. "No problem. I'm just glad I could help."

I gave him a friendly slap on the back, oblivious to the storm of emotions beneath the surface. "I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe we'll catch up later?"

"Yeah, definitely," Marcus replied, his tone neutral.

With a final check in the mirror, I felt ready for the evening ahead. I was too excited to pick up on the subtle hints of Marcus's jealousy, too caught up in my own anticipation for the date with Sofia. As I left for the night, I couldn't help but think about how perfect everything was going to be.

*Sofia's POV*

The evening air was cooler than I expected as I walked toward the restaurant, the soft glow of streetlights guiding me through the quiet streets. I arrived early, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside me. When Jadon and I had arranged this date, it felt like a perfect idea and a chance to reconnect after the holiday and see where things might lead.

As I stepped into the restaurant, the warm, inviting ambiance welcomed me. The interior was elegantly decorated, with soft jazz music playing in the background and the gentle clinking of glasses creating a soothing sound. I took a seat at our reserved table, which offered a beautiful view of the city.

I didn't have to wait long before Jadon arrived. He walked in, looking well dressed in a grey suit that fit him perfectly. There was something about the way he carried himself, a blend of confidence and excitement that was undeniably charming. He spotted me immediately and flashed that familiar, radiant smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"Wow, Sofia, you look stunning," Jadon said as he approached, his eyes lighting up with admiration. He leaned in to give me a warm hug and a quick peck on the cheek. "I hope you've not been waiting too long."

I smiled, feeling a flush of warmth at his compliment. "Thank you, Jadon. You look great too."

We settled into our seats, and as we scanned the menu, Jadon was his usual talkative self. He spoke about his recent activities, his plans for the future, and, of course, how excited he was for our date. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself laughing and enjoying the evening despite my initial nerves.

Throughout the meal, Jadon's attention was entirely focused on me. He asked questions about my life, my interests, and listened intently to everything I had to say. It was clear he genuinely wanted to get to know me better, and his excitement about our time together was both flattering and endearing.

As the evening progressed, the conversation flowed effortlessly. We shared stories and laughed over delicious food, and I felt a sense of ease that I hadn't anticipated. Jadon's charm was undeniable, and the way he looked at me made me feel special, even if I wasn't entirely sure where this was leading.

When dessert arrived, Jadon's gaze softened as he reached across the table to take my hand. "I'm really glad we did this, Sofia," he said, his voice softly spoken. "You've made this evening unforgettable."

I squeezed his hand, feeling a flutter of something I couldn't quite place. "I'm glad too. It's been a wonderful night."

The evening ended with a walk along the nearby park, where the lights reflected off the calm surface of a small lake. As we reached the entrance of the park, Jadon turned to me with a hopeful look. "I'd really like to do this again, Sofia. If you're up for it."

I looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "I'd like that too, Jadon."

With a final hug and a warm kiss on my cheek, we parted ways.